Overview

A penetration test, occasionally pentest, is a method of evaluating the computer security of a computer system or network by simulating an attack from malicious outsiders (who do not have an authorized means of accessing the organization’s systems) and malicious insiders (who have some level of authorized access).[1] The process involves an active analysis of the system for any potential vulnerabilities that could result from poor or improper system configuration, both known and unknown hardware or software flaws, or operational weaknesses in process or technical countermeasures

Penetration Testing Phases

1. Reconnaissance

The first stage involves:

  • Defining a test’s scope and objectives, as well as the systems to be tested and the testing methodologies to be employed.
  • Obtaining intelligence (e.g., network and domain names, mail server) in order to gain a better understanding of how a target operates and its potential weaknesses.

2. Scanning

The next step is to understand how the target application will respond to various intrusion attempts. This is typically done using:

  • Static analysis relies on examining an application’s code to predict how it will behave when it is run. In a single pass, these tools can scan the entire code.
  • Dynamic analysis is the process of inspecting an application’s code while it is operating. This method of scanning is more practical because it provides a real-time view of an application’s performance.

3. Gaining Access

To find a target’s weaknesses, this step employs web application assaults such as cross-site scripting, SQL injection, and backdoors. To understand the damage that these vulnerabilities might inflict, testers try to exploit them by escalating privileges, stealing data, intercepting traffic, and so on.

4. Maintaining access

The goal of this stage is to see if the vulnerability can be exploited to establish a long-term presence in the exploited system, allowing a bad actor to gain in-depth access. The goal is to mimic advanced persistent threats, which can stay in a system for months in order to steal a company’s most sensitive information.

5. Analysis

The penetration test’s findings are then combined into a report that details the following: specific vulnerabilities that were exploited; sensitive data that was accessed; and the results of the penetration test and the amount of time a pen tester was able to stay unnoticed in the system.

Security experts use this data to assist configure an enterprise’s WAF settings and other application security solutions in order to patch vulnerabilities and prevent further attacks.

Penetration Testing Benefits

1. Reveal vulnerabilities

Penetration testing looks for flaws in your system’s or application’s setup, as well as your network architecture. During penetration examinations, even your employees’ activities and habits that potentially lead to data breaches and hostile infiltration are investigated. A report informs you about your security flaws so you can figure out what software and hardware upgrades you need to make, as well as what recommendations and policies will improve overall security.

2. Test your cyberdefence capabilities

You must be able to recognise attacks and respond appropriately and quickly. Once an intrusion has been detected, you should begin an investigation to identify the intruders and block them. Whether they’re malicious or experts, they’re putting your defence approach to the test. The test results will tell you if – and more importantly, what – actions you can take to improve your defence.

3. Ensure business continuity

You require network availability, 24/7 communications, and access to resources to ensure that your business activities are always up and running. Every hiccup will have a detrimental influence on your company. Penetration tests uncover potential dangers and guarantee that your operations are not disrupted by unplanned downtime or a lack of accessibility. A penetration test is similar to a business continuity audit in this regard.

4. Gain third party expert opinions

Your management may be hesitant to react or act when an issue is identified by someone inside your organisation. A report from a third-party expert has a greater impact on your management, and it may result in additional resources being provided.

5. Comply to regulations

Penetration testing may be required by your industry and legal compliance needs. Consider the ISO 27001 standard or PCI standards, which mandate that all managers and system owners perform frequent penetration tests and security reviews with qualified testers.

6. Maintain trust

Customers, suppliers, and partners lose trust and loyalty as a result of a cyber attack or data leak. If, on the other hand, your organisation is known for doing thorough and systematic security evaluations and penetration tests, you can rest assured that all of your stakeholders will be satisfied.